NHL All-Star Game 2019: Your guide to all the hockey fun in San Jose

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San Jose Sharks’ Joe Pavelski (8) fights for the puck against Chicago Blackhawks’ Brandon Saad (20) in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, March 1, 2018. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson (65) waits for a face-off during their game against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 04: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at Capital One Arena on December 4, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane, right, controls the puck against San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton (19) waits for a face-off during their game against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Jose Sharks’ Paul Martin (7) fights for the puck against Washington Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom (19) in the third period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday, March 9, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: Edmonton Oilers’ Alexander Petrovic (15) commits a penalty which resulted in a penalty shot for San Jose Sharks’ Marcus Sorensen (20) in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

San Jose Sharks’ Evander Kane (9) takes a shot against Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews (19) in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, March 1, 2018. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Evander Kane (9) skates on the ice during their game against the Edmonton Oilers in the third period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

John Tavares (91) of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal at 1:34 of the second period against the Washington Capitals at the Barclays Center on December 11, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Joonas Donskoi (27) celebrates his goal with San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl (48) against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Lukas Radil (52) takes a shot against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Kevin Lebanc (62) takes a shot against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 8: San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl (48) celebrates a goal by San Jose Sharks’ Joonas Donskoi (27) during their game against the Edmonton Oilers in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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The greatest hockey players in the world are heading to the Shark Tank, set to compete in the NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 26 at San Jose’s SAP Center. But All-Star Weekend is about more than just the game — although the allure of the game, with its high-octane athletes and pop star entertainment, is undeniable. But there are other activities going on as well, from the 2019 NHL Fan Fair, which runs Jan. 24-27, to the 2019 SAP NHL All-Star Skills competition on Jan. 25.

Whether you’re a local hockey fan or one of the crowds coming to the game from across the U.S. and Canada, you’ll want to make time for it all. So here’s a helpful guide to the NHL All-Star Weekend, from fan fair fun to where to dine, what to see and how to explore the Bay Area and beyond. Let’s drop the puck and get going.

NHL Fan Fair

This family-friendly destination for hockey fans unfolds at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center with interactive hockey games, live music and special appearances by current and former players — and mascots. You’ll find more Fan Fair details here, and ticket information at Ticketmaster.com.

NHL All-Star Skills

This competition is always a blast, as the biggest names in the sport attempt to outdo each other. Last year’s challenge included six (extremely branded) events, including the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater, Dunkin’ Donuts NHL Passing Challenge, GEICO NHL Save Streak, Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay, PPG NHL Hardest Shot and Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting. We’ll see what challenges this year’s competition — which starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the SAP Center — holds. You’ll find the results from last year’s competition here, and 2019 details on the event’s official web page.

All-Star Entertainment

Who is the talented pop star headlining the entertainment at the NHL All-Star Game? Here’s a hint: She was one of the hottest acts of 2018, thanks to the big hit “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line. Oops. Did we just give it away? Well, find out the answer right here.

Meet the national anthem singers

Yes, you’ll hear two national anthems – the U.S. anthem and the Canadian – at the All-Star Game. And they will be sung by these two artists.

Watch on TV

Our TV critic Chuck Barney reports on some of the cool new things going on with this year’s telecast. Find out more here.

Where to eat, sip nearby

Looking to grab a bite before the game? Here are 5 tasty recommendations for fun spots to chomp down near the Shark Tank, from a casual, walk-up taqueria churning out super burritos to a sit-down Michael Mina experience. Beer fans have plenty of earby taproom choices — and some of those breweries offer food, too.

Where to eat, sip at SAP Center

Hockey fans will be spending a lot of time inside SAP Center, where concession stands offer lots of good options for food and drink that go well beyond the regular hot dog and soda. Think brisket nachos, bulgogi cheesesteak, Konjoe burgers, Scott’s clam chowder and the meatless Impossible Burger.

And where to sightsee

Never been to the legendary Winchester Mystery House? This is the perfect opportunity to explore that mysterious, spooky mansion. Here’s a look at the top sightseeing/tourist spots in San Jose and Silicon Valley. Schedule in some extra time and enjoy a day trip to one of the many cool surrounding areas. Here are five perfect day trips, all within an hour of the city, including itineraries for Monterey, Santa Cruz and a little wine tasting, too.